Best Spark plugs
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
Spark Plug Type
On my 84 with the 351w I use motorcraft copper. Never had any problems with them. I had used platinum one time in the past and they did not run near as well as the copper and they are cheaper too.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: NoGa.
Almost ANYTHING but "Champeans". In almost 30 years of swinging wrenches for a living ... darn near EVERY miss I EVER saw caused by a spark plug ... when I pulled it out ... It was a "Champean".
I've been running Autolights in my Fords ... forever. Never had a problem.
Otherwise ... I always insisted on Bosche or NGK's for anything I repaired on the job or out of my shops.
A tip ... I trim the ground electrode with a dremel grinder ... so the end of it is centered over the center electrode. This serves to expose more of the spark to the mixture ... similar to the "split fires' that are out there. Then set the gap as per normal.
I never did a comparison test on a dyno ... or a MPG run ... but it seems to make sense.
I've been running Autolights in my Fords ... forever. Never had a problem.
Otherwise ... I always insisted on Bosche or NGK's for anything I repaired on the job or out of my shops.
A tip ... I trim the ground electrode with a dremel grinder ... so the end of it is centered over the center electrode. This serves to expose more of the spark to the mixture ... similar to the "split fires' that are out there. Then set the gap as per normal.
I never did a comparison test on a dyno ... or a MPG run ... but it seems to make sense.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 26
From: NJ
I run copper Autolites in all my toys. I did go with Iridium in my CB750 though, and cold starts were easier. One kick every time even if it's freezing out. Not gonna bother trying them in my truck or car though, Autolites work plenty good.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
I like using motorcraft myself. The last autolites that I bought were made in china and two were defective right out of the box.
Just my experiences...
Just my experiences...
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
I have had good luck with autolites over the years as well, until recently. I put autolite platinums in the gf's camry recently (A year at the most, 10k miles?) It developed a miss at idle, felt more like it was totally losing spark for a split second but only did it once or twice for every 5-10 minutes run time. I replaced the ignitor (module) and coil with used parts, ran the same. Put in copper NGK,s and that fixed it. I would still reccomend autolites but they are not foolproof
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,271
Likes: 2
From: Mexia, TX
I've used Bosch Super Plus copper plugs for the past couple of years. Never given me any trouble. Before that I used Autolites and I don't recall having any problems either.
I didn't know they made spark plugs too. Do places other than dealerships sell them?
I like using motorcraft myself.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Yes.
Kragen sells motorcraft parts. But they are usually special order, and they will push the store brand unless you are insistant.
Walmart also sells Motorcraft filters and oil. Usually in stock.
Kragen sells motorcraft parts. But they are usually special order, and they will push the store brand unless you are insistant.
Walmart also sells Motorcraft filters and oil. Usually in stock.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,271
Likes: 2
From: Mexia, TX
I'm going to have to look for the nearest Kragen online, because there's not one in my town. It might not be an option for me, if I go a ways out to find them. :\
Now I've seen those. I installed a Motorcraft oil filter when I did my last oil change; that along with Shell Rotella T 15W40 gives me decent oil pressure and I've yet to have any problems with it.
Now I've seen those. I installed a Motorcraft oil filter when I did my last oil change; that along with Shell Rotella T 15W40 gives me decent oil pressure and I've yet to have any problems with it.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Glade Hill, VA 24092
I have always preferred autolite or motorcraft in a ford.
I also agree with everything stated above. No Champions, platium plugs have never done me any good in older engines, My Jeep does not do well with Bosuch Plat +2. I believe the platnuim plugs need a very hot fire, like the GM HEI system, to work proper. The copper core plugs have always done just fine for me.
I also agree with everything stated above. No Champions, platium plugs have never done me any good in older engines, My Jeep does not do well with Bosuch Plat +2. I believe the platnuim plugs need a very hot fire, like the GM HEI system, to work proper. The copper core plugs have always done just fine for me.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
From: sunny san diego
I have used just about every brand and type of spark plug from exotic to plain standard and to be honest I have NEVER noticed any difference or experienced problems with any of them, even "Champeans". I just buy whatever is on sale.
